A: Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. Most calories that are in excess of the body’s need are converted to triglycerides and deposited as fat.

Certain foods high in carbohydrates such as rice, regular pasta, confectionary and sweetened fruit juices are converted into triglycerides/fat. This fat then circulates in the blood and deposits in the walls of the arteries causing blockages which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Q: Why are trigylcerides measured in blood work?

A: Triglycerides are measured in the blood in addition to the good and bad cholesterol as their level is independently important in determining the risk of heart attack and stroke. A normal triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dl. A borderline high level is 150-199 mg/dl. A high level is 200-499mg/dl. A level of 500mg/dl carries a high risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack and therefore requires immediate lowering with triglyceride-lowering medication.

Q: What causes trigylceride levels to be high?

A: Fatty food, extra calories and lack of exercise generally lead to high triglyceride levels. Conditions such as diabetes, low-functioning thyroid and excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to high triglyceride levels. Treating these conditions and adjusting our lifestyle helps decrease the amount of fat circulating in our blood significantly. In some cases high triglyceride levels can also be due to an inherited condition that requires treatment with medication.

Q: Do high trigylceride levels cause any symptoms?

A: High triglyceride levels are usually identified on routine screening blood work during a physical exam. No symptoms are noted. However if the levels remain elevated over a prolonged period of time, a heart attack, stroke or, rarely, inflammation of the pancreas can result.

Q: How can the levels be lowered?

A: The good news is that triglyceride levels are very sensitive to dietary adjustments, weight loss and regular exercise. Avoiding fatty foods such as white bread, rolls, regular pasta, rice and desserts will significantly lower the triglyceride levels. Instead consuming fish, vegetables and fruits is very beneficial.

Structured exercise by using the extra calories also causes a substantial lowering of triglyceride levels. If the levels are significantly elevated your doctor may prescribe medication therapy. The success of the treatment plan is checked by monitoring the levels a few months after treatment or lifestyle modifications are initiated.

Treating underlying illnesses such as diabetes or low functioning thyroid is usually the first step in lowering triglyceride levels if these conditions are identified.

It is therefore important to talk to your doctor about screening blood work for triglyceride and cholesterol levels, if you have not had these checked recently. Know your triglyceride and cholesterol numbers and work toward lowering your future risk of heart attack and stroke by self-education and following a healthier lifestyle.